Rapid Implementation of Real-Time Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (Real-Time Rt-Pcr) Assay for the Detection of Sars-Cov-2 in a Moroccan Hospital

ABSTRACT

Background: The main challenge faced in the African countries was to implement efficient molecular diagnostic facilities and start Covid-19 diagnosis as fast as possible to handle the rapid and unpredictable rise of cases. Materials, Methods and Results: We describe our experience in implementing a molecular biology unit at Sheikh Zaid International University Hospital in Rabat, with a delay as short as one week, and starting real-time RT-PCR assay for the detection of SARS-Cov-2 infection, since the outbreak widened in Morocco in mid-March, 2020. Conclusion(s) The challenges encountered in the first period of Covid-19 pandemic are still present. This work aims to give an example of a rapid and adaptive response in order to maintain our diagnosis ability for Covid-19 and for other pathogens. Copyright © 2022, African Traditional, Herbal Medicine Supporters Initiative. All rights reserved.